In the eighth instalment of our series featuring a hundred ways to enrich your life, we have selected eleven unique group experiences perfect for celebrations, parties and gatherings.
Whether you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, reunion, or a weekend getaway with friends, these exclusive experiences offer a fantastic choice of ways to celebrate with your favourite people.
Click here to read about ten memorable places available for private hire so that your group can stay together in style. The smallest is a beach house for eight, the largest offers exclusive use of an activity centre and glamping site sleeping up to 76.
- Somerset Cider Celebration Tour – Find out why Somerset is famous for its cider with your own tour of Rich’s Cider Farm, a family-run operation producing traditional farmhouse cider and apple juice since 1954. Perfect for up to 30 friends, you will go behind-the-scenes, explore the orchards, see the impressive working oak vats up close and finish with a tasting of Rich’s full cider range led by expert guides. For a bespoke experience contact events@richscider.co.uk.
- Indoor All Weather Fun – The Activity Warehouse offers Somerset’s Premier Free Roaming VR Escape Adventures, axe throwing, an interactive shooting range, café and bar. The VR experiences have adaptable difficulty levels meaning no prior knowledge is needed and uses advanced technology and free roaming games so players enjoy a smooth and hopefully motion-sickness-free escape to new worlds! Choose a party package for up to five for a one-hour Zero Reality session in a private VR room or opt for the other activities that groups of up to 24 can enjoy.
- Hold Your Own Club Night – The Palace nightclub dates back to 1916 and has hosted big names including the Scissor Sisters, Madness and Badly Drawn Boy. It is unique not only as it has been family owned for 28 years and has had worldwide publicity for its over 50s nightclub, but Somerset’s very own Joe Strummer performed his penultimate gig here. Spread across three floors, with a capacity of over 1,000 (or 250 on one floor), this is the place for a truly spectacular party. Contact Rachael to arrange your bespoke celebration info@palacenightclub.co.uk.
- Host a VIP Movie Premiere – For a truly unique and memorable experience hire Scott Cinema VIP Screen. With just twelve luxurious recliner seats and exclusive bar and lounge options it is perfect for an intimate celebration. Whether you want to show a personal film, the latest blockbuster, or have a favourite movie brought in, this is the ultimate private screening experience. Alternatively, gamers can indulge in a three-hour marathon on the big screen.
- Private Wine Tasting at Award Winning Eco-friendly Oatley Vineyard – Guided private tasting of crisp, dry white wines and tour around the vines with one of the owners. After the tasting spend time enjoying the peace of the vineyard with your own picnic or arrange for one to be delivered from a local suppliers such as Blackmore Farm or Yellow Door Cottage ready for your arrival. DIY tasting too. Available May to September for maximum of 20 guests – children and dogs welcome.
- Group High Ropes Experience – Black Rock Outdoors offers a developmental high ropes course that is quite different from the aerial trekking style that you may have seen. This adventure is designed to be a group activity with elements at different heights and of varying difficulty. Choose a full or half day, or add in other activities – the centre can cater for up to 140 people. Add to your celebrations and stay onsite at Secret Valley.
- Exclusive Zoo Tours and Experiences – Tropiquaria is a unique small zoo based in and around an old “Art Deco” BBC Radio Transmitter station close to the coast. They are also an animal sanctuary and work closely with the National Centre for Reptile Welfare and other exotic wildlife organisations, to help rescue and rehome animals. Talks, tours and food can be arranged for private parties of up to 100 when the zoo is closed to the public. Or for a special treat Keeper Experiences are available for up to four people. Contact 01984 640688 or info@tropiquaria.co.uk for details.
- Charter a Steam Train – Running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, through beautiful countryside, the West Somerset Railway it is the longest heritage railway in Hire the whole train or a single carriage (seating 64 guests) for a nostalgic, unforgettable journey. Choose the Quantock Belle for a gourmet four-course dining experience for up to 73 guests, or enjoy a classic cream tea or fish and chips with a licensed bar on board. With customisable menus and routes the team are really flexible and will work with you to create your perfect celebration, call 01643 700398 or groups@wsrail.net.
- Guided Bike and E-Bike Tours – Exmoor Adventures is the largest provider of mountain biking activities on Exmoor. They offer a fleet of specialised mountain bikes and brand-new full-suspension e-bikes for hire, allowing you to explore over 400 miles of bridleways. Or you could choose from a variety of guided rides that showcase the area’s best trails, breathtaking views and of course a good cream tea. Tours are available year-round for 3 to 12 people, with guided night rides offered for added adventure!
- Pool Parties along the Coast
* Brean Splash – Adults can hire 25 metre pool for sole use or for children’s birthdays why not have a Pirate themed pool party?
* Quantock Lodge – Private hire of peaceful heated, 20 metre, indoor pool surrounded by glass and trees, more information contact info@quantocklodge.co.uk
* St Audries Bay – Private hire slots available for 12.5 m heated pool, located within the holiday park, more information contact info@barkersleisure.com.
* Blue Anchor – Sole use of sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, inflatables and heated indoor pool (max 35 people) contact blue-anchor@hoburne.com.
- Group Walking Experiences on the King Charles III Coast Path
* Gather your friends and family and challenge yourself to a 75 mile, eight day walking adventure along the whole of the Somerset and Exmoor Coast Trail, from Brean to County Gate, follow the route itinerary here. Or for shorter option take the 58 mile, four day King Charles III England Coast Path from Brean to Minehead.
* Don’t like planning let Encounter Walking Holidays or Contours Holidays take care of the details for you. They offer self-guided breaks that include everything you need from luggage transfers to detailed maps, personalised routes and accommodation suited to your budget and preferences. Then you can concentrate on exploring and enjoying this undiscovered, unspoilt coast.
To Book
Please use the links above to contact the businesses directly so they can create a bespoke celebration specifically for your party.
Need More Advice?
This is just a selection of what is available here on our remarkable coast. If you would like more ideas please contact our friendly, knowledgeable teams at the tourist information centres who will be happy to help.
- Burnham Information Centre and Rescue Support
- Bridgwater Town Council
- Watchet Visitor Centre
- Dunster National Park Centre
- Minehead Information Centre
- Porlock Information Centre